FEBRUARY 28's train disaster, caused when a car towing a trailer crashed on to the railway line near Selby in North Yorkshire, has catapulted the subject of towbar safety into the spotlight. Towbar manufacturer Brink has launched a new campaign for a change in the law relating to such products.

While cars are covered by an EU directive which demands that only Type Approved towbars can be fitted, no such legislation covers light commercial vehicles. Brink managing director John Jacobs wants this situation corrected.

He said: 'Some 70% of vans in this country have a towbar fitted at some time in their lives but no legislation exists in respect of towing equipment. It is not even part of the MoT test and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions doesn't foresee a change in the rules for at least five years. With the Selby train crash putting towbars in everyone's minds, we will be lobbying to have this changed.'